Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

Discussing India’s World Cup Squad

It was good to have a little joke, but it’s now time to be serious about India’s World Cup Squad. Below is the squad they have picked, courtesy of BCCI.

India are widely regarded as one of the favourites to take out the title. Despite losing their last ODI series vs Australia, India remain one of the top ODI sides in the world, which has been the case for quite a few years now. They have picked a very sound squad, but some fans and pundits believe there could have been some changes.

This article will explore the key talking points from India’s World Cup Squad, putting forward a view as to whether the selectors made the right call.

Also read: Fiery rivalry and key players to watch out for in the World Cup!

Should Rishabh Pant have made the squad?

It is never easy for an eager youngster to have to sit by and bide his time. However, that is the situation Rishabh Pant finds himself in after missing out on selection. It is indeed never a nice feeling seeing your name missing in an important list.

But, I feel India have made the right call here.

Indeed, Rishabh Pant has many fine years ahead of him, possessing talent as big as the following behind the Indian Cricket Team. He will be a huge name in India’s ODI team by the time the 2023 World Cup rolls around. However, it is not quite his time yet, and this doesn’t only relate to MS Dhoni.

• Rishabh Pant has more work to do on his game: While he is a fantastic striker of the ball, Pant hasn’t quite fired yet for India in white-ball cricket. Sure, being in-and-out of the side never helps, but Pant needs greater experience and continuity to be a reliable force at a World Cup. This also applies to his wicketkeeping, which needs some tidying up, especially after blunders in the recent series against Australia.
• Dinesh Karthik deserves a final chance: ‘DK’ always gives his 100 percent when he plays for India. But, more importantly, he has proven himself to be a good finisher in the ODI side. One example that springs to mind was his effort in Adelaide earlier this year, where he helped India win after staring a 2-0 series deficit (and loss) in the face. Also, his wicketkeeping experience makes him a suitable replacement should Dhoni be unavailable in a match.
• India still possess power: Hardik Pandya’s form in IPL 2019 has India fans excited. Sure, while the IPL has its own pressures, they vary significantly to that of a World Cup. But, Hardik has the ability to wield the willow, and can be a very dangerous player for India.

@Jeetv27 puts it perfectly in his tweet:

What about Ambati Rayudu?

Looking at his numbers (average of 47 in 55 ODIs), Ambati Rayudu looks mighty unlucky to have missed out. After all, it was not long ago that he made a fine 90 that rescued India in an ODI in New Zealand.

However, he remains a worry against pace bowling. He was found out badly against Australia, struggling against the seamers, which will be the dominant bowling type in England.

I agree with India’s decision to pick Vijay Shankar over him, not particularly because he is a “three-dimensional player”, but because he looks a rock solid batsman. He looked outstanding when he given the chance vs Australia. However, where India have mucked up is not giving Shankar a proper run at number four, which is a risk heading into a World Cup. But, one thing is for certain – Ambati Rayudu has hurt his chances of being called into the squad if there are any injuries or changes!

Is Ravindra Jadeja lucky?

Another talking point is the inclusion of Ravindra Jadeja.

It was always going to be a matter of debate given his record. With 174 wickets in 151 games at 35.89, Jadeja likely won’t get the bagful of wickets. This is similar to Nathan Lyon for Australia. However, if he is in the XI, he can provide important runs down the order, as he is currently doing for Chennai Super Kings. Also, who can forget his incredible fielding? If he can provide runs when needed, economical spells and electric fielding, then Jadeja proves his worth.

Also read: Discussing Australia’s World Cup 2019 Squad

Is KL Rahul luckier?

KL Rahul, a player who can divide opinion, has not yet found his feet yet in ODI Cricket. In 13 ODIs, he has scored 343 runs at 34.30, which doesn’t look bad. However, if you remove Zimbabwe, KL Rahul has scored 147 runs at 14.70. His talent is undeniable, but have India taken a big risk taking him as the reserve opener?

I believe it is a risk, especially when he wasn’t given more time in the lead up to the World Cup to play as an opener. Ambati Rayudu is a player some fans believe could play that role if required, but he isn’t a natural opener. KL Rahul is the kind of player that if you put your belief in, he can come up with the goods such is his ability. If he is picked in the final squad, it is a huge show of faith by India who need to keep building his confidence.

Verdict

A strong squad, with not too many surprises.

India’s pace attack, especially if Bhuvneshwar Kumar can hit his straps, will be a tough proposition for opposing teams. Their wristspinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, are also dangerous prospects. The same applies to their top three, especially Virat Kohli, who is a key player to watch in the World Cup. With a predicted middle order of Shankar-Jadhav-Dhoni-Pandya, India now can feel confident in a middle order that can build on the good work of the top three (or recover if need be).

From an Australian perspective, India will be hard to beat. If India miss the Semi Finals, it will be a huge surprise.

Thanks for reading!

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